Illinois lawmakers OK Ameren rate hikes

Illinois lawmakers on Wednesday gave electric companies, including Ameren, the authority to raise rates to produce money for modernizing the state power grid, despite opposition from consumer advocates and an outright veto by Gov. Pat Quinn, KMOX reports. Supporters predict rates will climb only $3 or $4 a month for most consumers, who will wind up saving more than that by conserving power. Critics — from AARP to the Citizens Utility Board to Attorney General Lisa Madigan — maintain it’s a sweetheart deal for power companies ComEd and Ameren Illinois. The utilities will be able to raise rates without interference from state regulators for 10 years.